Ourdon walks

This ridge hike offers views over a large part of the central Pyrenees. It should only be attempted when there is no thick, unstable snow. The return via the village of Ourdon requires a good sense of direction.

Near Lourdes, and dominated by the Pic du Montaigu (2,339 m), the Castelloubon offers a variety of landscapes that can be explored via nine hiking routes of varying lengths. This circular route, starting from Juncalas, follows sections of these trails to explore the eastern part of this High Pyrenees region, featuring forests, pastures and ridges. You can thus admire the high mountain range, the foothills and the plain. It takes you up the Soum de Trées and the Tuquet de Lhési, and also allows you to visit the villages of Gazost, Ourdon, Lias and Ousté.

This is a physically demanding hike, reserved for experienced hikers or trail runners. The elevation gain is very significant over a relatively short distance. It is advisable to bring plenty of water and protection from the sun, as a significant part of the route is exposed. Protection from wind and rain is also strongly recommended.

Starting from the Town Hall in Agos-Vidalos, head towards the church in Vidalos. Then, descend towards the Gave de Pau river at the Pont de Boô-Silhen bridge. Walk along the Gave de Pau (left bank) and then climb up to the Vidalos Tower. You can climb the tower (free of charge) and admire the view over the Argelès valley and the Pyrenees mountain range. Return along the Gave de Pau.

Set off to discover this pretty little village between Argelès-Gazost and Lourdes. Don't forget to look up at the sky, where you're sure to spot bearded vultures, black kites and vultures. The flora is also very rich. A perfect walk for families with children.

A family walk at the bottom of the green Gazost valley. Discover the history of the sulphurous springs that flow in a damp valley and now feed the thermal baths in the neighbouring valley.

This summit offers a beautiful view of Pic du Montaigu, a prominent peak in the Pyrenees range overlooking the Bigorre Valley.

A classic family walk. A stunning view from the summit, from where, in good weather, you can see the Vignemale, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Ardiden, etc. There are also lovely views towards Lourdes, Tarbes and Pau all along the ascent. The first section is through a well-shaded forest, whilst the second is more exposed. Bring a cap and water in summer. It is a shame, however, that the summit has been left to fall into disrepair, as the promontory is no longer accessible, nor is its orientation table.

An off-the-beaten-track hike that takes you up two small peaks near Lourdes.A good sense of direction is required for the climb to the Pic du Jer. Do not attempt this hike in wet weather. ⚠️ User comment dated 8 March 2026 => There appears to be a serious access issue at the start due to the poor condition of the track. See alternative route in the practical information section.

A beautiful, easy circular path near the small village of Gez-ez-Angles, located a few kilometres from Lourdes. You will walk along an open ridge to the small summit of Aubuchous, where you can enjoy a wide panorama of the foothills and the Pyrenees mountain range, before returning to the village via a more wooded path.

Short hike in the hills above Lourdes. The route is very quiet but well worth a look. It follows the northern ridge, which is the longest and has the greatest elevation gain. From the main summit at 791m, where a cross has been erected, there is a 360° view of the Lourdes region. From the second summit at 719m, there is a viewpoint with the old Béout cable car installation. A little further on is the entrance to the cave known as the "Gouffre de Lourdes", which is 82m deep.

Tour of the Cité Saint-Pierre via the Béout ridge, passing by the summit cross and the old cable car station with views of Lourdes, the Gave de Pau and the start of the Vallée des Gaves.This hike in a wild area, with little or no signposting and trails that are difficult to see in summer and overgrown with ferns (especially on the descent), makes it accessible only to "adventurers" over the age of 10 who are not afraid of discovering this little summit!

Hike along the ridges with the ascent of Hautacam. The view is exceptional throughout the route. This hike can be done when the snow conditions are stable. This unmarked hike requires a good sense of direction and a GPX track.

Superb views of the surrounding mountains all along the route and from the Hourquette d'Ouscouaou.

This hike is not technically difficult but goes beyond the scope of a "Sunday stroll". Its appeal lies in reaching the pastoral summer pastures above the magnificent Batsurguère valley, at the gateway to Lourdes, and taking a break in a perfectly maintained refuge hut. To the west, you can see the Aguée valley, towards the Col d'Espadres. The place is quiet and superb. With a bit of luck, you will be in the company of horses roaming free on the grassy slopes of the pass.

Circular path on the heights of Artalens-Souin, with beautiful views of the valley. The duration is based on walking with two children aged 6 and 10, so it is for guidance only.

A magnificent, challenging hike along the ridges at 2,000 m facing the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. Although off the marked trails, it is quite busy in summer. In winter, it is completely off the beaten track for hikers, particularly in the final section (see note in Practical Information below). In winter, as in summer, save this route for a perfectly clear, sunny day, as the views are remarkable and you won’t regret the effort.

Starting from Ouzous, this hike takes you along the discovery trail, around Argelès-Gazost and above the animal park. From there, a 500 m climb takes you to Mont de Gez via the south-southwest. The return route passes through Gez and the Bourdalat equestrian centre before reaching the Ouzous car park. This shaded route mainly follows tracks and paths.

Round trip hike on a good path on the southern slope with Mediterranean-type vegetation, arriving at the station of the old cable car (1935-1969).

To the west of Argelès-Gazost, there is a very pretty, not too difficult circuit on well-maintained trails offering two viewpoints over the Gave de Pau valley and a 360° view of the Central Pyrenees!

Short hike on the outskirts of Lourdes, in the Batsurguère valley. Above the charming village of Omex, there are isolated pastures in a natural basin, the source of the Moules stream. The pass is topped by the Soum of the same name and the Mail des Portes, the start of the beautiful Pernes ridge, towards the Soum du Montné, gateway to the Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre massif and the Très-Crouts forest.

This is an easy, short hike, ideal for young children. The lake, nestled in lush greenery and surrounded by mountains, is truly magnificent. Calm and peaceful, it makes you want to stay there for a long time.

From the start, there is a superb panorama of the surrounding mountains. The view of the widening lake is splendid.

This circular walk takes you to four magnificent high-altitude lakes nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées: the lakes of Isaby, Plagnous, Ourrec and Bassias (or Couey Seque). The route alternates between mountain paths, mountain pastures and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Suitable for walkers accustomed to hiking in mountainous terrain, this route offers an immersion in an unspoilt environment featuring a succession of lakeside scenery, pastoral areas and remarkable viewpoints. A lovely outing to enjoy the diversity of the Pyrenean landscapes and discover several lakes in a single day, or with the option of camping at Lac de Bassias.

Lac dets Plagnous is a tiny lake above Lac d'Isaby. A little more difficult to access than the latter, it is neglected by hikers. However, it is very pleasant and makes you want to stay on its banks for a while.

Montaigu is a beautiful peak in the Hautes-Pyrénées, facing the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and set back far enough from the main border range to offer a beautiful 360° view. This slope via the Hautacam ridges is the longest, but it is also the most beautiful and wildest. It offers a few aerial sections that add a certain interest! Only to be attempted if the weather is perfectly clear!

A beautiful route linking Lourdes to Pau along an ancient Roman road steeped in history. The Henri IV trail stretches across the Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques departments, along the foothills of the Pyrenees.

A beautiful hike that leads to Lake Isaby via the ruins of Saint-Orens Abbey and the Isaby Valley. A pleasant trail, sometimes steep, mostly in the forest before coming out onto the lake and the surrounding peaks (Soum and Pic de Léviste, Soum Arrouy, Soum de Lascours).

Here is another way to reach Lac d’Isaby from Ortiac. Along the way, you will visit the ruins of Saint-Orens Abbey and the Paspich and Pradets waterfalls before reaching Lac d’Isaby and climbing up to the Cabane Picourlet.

A circular route from Pierrefitte-Nestalas to visit the Abbey Church of Saint-Savin and its museum (if open). The Abbey Church is renowned for its furnishings; visit it with the description provided on the website to appreciate them fully. After a steep climb of about an hour up the mountain, the route follows the road, which in practice has very little traffic.The starting point can be adjusted to a car park in Pierrefitte-Nestalas.

An easy and very pleasant walk, ideal if the weather prevents you from going to the high mountains.

Observe the traditional architecture of the Bigourdan houses in Orincles and their pebble walls along an easy route, which can be enjoyed by the whole family over half a day while strolling. From the top of the hills, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Pyrenees. This walk can be done in just under two hours at a brisk pace.

A beautiful loop to reach the Col de Bareilles and access Lac Bleu, passing by Lac d'Ourrec, with a beautiful variety of landscapes. There is a magnificent waterfall on the way back that is worth seeing! The hike is very well marked, so it is easy to follow!

A small mountain lake with a beautiful blue-green colour. Less frequented than the Lac Bleu, it is a real pleasure to soak up the calm and splendour of the site. The route offers views of the magnificent Pitch d'Ouscouaou waterfall.

A pretty little lake, little known, nestled at the foot of Montaigu.The GPX track is necessary after the Cabane de Bénaquès, or else good map reading skills and a sense of direction.

A very pretty hike with three lakes to see, including the magnificent Lac Bleu. The Pic de Bizoutére offers views of the Lesponne valley on the right and Hautacam on the left, not to mention the famous Pic du Midi. On the way back, you will come across some splendid waterfalls.

In the footsteps of Georges Buisan, born in 1924 in Montréjeau (Haute-Garonne) and resident in Tarbes, he spent his childhood in Bigorre. His interest in the mountains led him to spend several years researching shepherds' huts. Georges Buisan has since passed away, but he leaves behind him, with this Courtaou de la Lit, which he restored over a period of thirty years, an original legacy and a powerful message.

A typical Pyrenean lake in the mid-mountains. 47 hectares, 120 metres deep. Beautiful blue colour.

The summit of Pic Saint-Vincent (1,944 m, unnamed on the IGN map) offers a magnificent panorama of the Pyrenees mountain range, from Pic du Midi de Bigorre to Balaïtous. It is located south of Pic du Montaigu.